Target removes certain items from its stores and make other changes to its LGBTQ merchandise across the country ahead of Pride month, after an intense backlash from some customers, including violent confrontations with its workers.
“Since introducing this year’s collection, we have experienced threats affecting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being at work,” Target said in a statement Tuesday. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing elements that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behaviors.”
The target declined to say what elements it was removing but among those that attracted the most attention were “tuck friendly” women’s swimsuits that allow trans women who have not had gender-affirming surgeries to conceal their private parts. Drawings of Abprallena London-based company that designs and sells occult and Satanic-themed LGBTQ clothing and accessories, has also created a backlash.
Pride merchandise has been on sale since early May. Pride month takes place in June.
Target confirmed it moved its Pride merchandise from the front of stores to the back of select stores in the South after clashes and backlash from shoppers in those areas.
The Target’s Pride collection of the month was also the subject of several misleading videos in recent weeks, with social media users falsely claiming that the retailer sells “tuck-friendly” swimwear designed for children or in children’s sizes.
The measures come as beer brand Bud Light is still facing a backlash from customers angered by its attempt to expand its customer base by teaming up with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Bud Light’s parent company said it will triple its marketing in the United States this summer as it attempts to restore the sales it lost after the brand teamed up with the transgender influencer.
Target and other retailers including walmart and H&M have been expanding their LGBTQ displays to celebrate Pride Month for about a decade. This year, transgender issues — including gender-affirming health care and sports participation — have been a divisive issue in state legislatures and the backlash has turned hostile.